Multiple-spindle double-seamer



J. A. GRAY.

MULTIPLE SPINDLE DOUBLE SEAMER.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 16, 1918.

1,373,001, Patented Mar. 29, 1921.

3 SHEETSSHEET I.

ATTORNEY.

J. A. GRAY.

MULTIPLE SPINDLE DOUBLE SEAMEH.

APPLICATION FILED APR.1.6, 1918.

1 ,37 3,001 Patented Mar. 29, 1921.

3 $HEETS-SHEET 2.

WITNESQ I INVENTOR. flame/mi 4/.

A TORNEK J. A. GRAY.

MULTIPLE SPINDLE DOUBLE SEAMER.

APPLICATION F ILED APR. l6| 1918.

1921. SHEET 3.

Ill/I111 3 SHEETS Patented Mar. 29

.INVENTOR 36mm a,

' fiTTnmmr.

UNITED STATES' PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES A. GRAY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR T0 AMERICAN CiAN COMPANY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

MULTIPLE-SPINDLE DOUBLE-SlEAMER.

naraoo 1 Specification of Letters Patent. Patent d )I 29 192 Application filed April 16, 1918. Serial No. 228,959.

citizen of the United States, residing at the city and county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Multiple-Spindle Double-Seamers, of which the following is a specification.

'llhe hereinafter described invention relates to an apparatus for double-seaming or hermetically sealing of ends or covers to metallic containers, and more particularly to that class of containers employed for the preservation of food products; the object of the invention being the production of a simple. efficient and practical machine for ex peditiously carrying out the desired work.

lln the present instance. the invention is illustrated and described and in its preterred embodiment it discloses what is known in the art as a multiple type of machine, or one in which the various operations upon the can body and end take place while the can body is being carried around in a circuitous path of travel.

The machine is specifically adapted for the double seaming of canends to filled cans and in the operation thereof filledcans with end covers loosely applied thereto are brought to the working elements by continuously operating means and are properly. timed in their path of travel with the operating parts, the timing means employed placing filled cans with ends loosely applied thereto upon the rotating member for the subsequent action of double seaming. The filled cans, with the loosely applied ends are successivelydelivered to non-rotating vertically movable can supporting elements, which. elements during the operation of the rotatable carrier member are moved vertically to place the can with its applied cover into" engagement with a non-rotating can end clamping chuck. which chuck holds the filled can with. its loosely applied-cover against rotation during the operation of the nism for delivering cans successively and in timed relation to the rotatable member of the apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l of the drawings, and viewed in the direction of the arrows, certain parts being shown in full for clearness of illustration, said view illustrating the driving means for the associated mechanisms, the timer for delivering the cans in spaced relation to the rotatable member or structure, the means for raising and lowering the positioned cans relative to the can clamp chucks and further disclosing the double seaming head units for uniting the covers to the filled cans.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 of the drawings, and

viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view, partly broken away, disclosing more fully one of the seaming units with its associated in for raising or placing a filled can with t endv applied thereto into engagement with the can clamp chuck of said unit.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 5-5 oi. Fig. l of the drawings. disclosing the seaming roller. drive shafts and the means for actuating the same.

Fig. 6 is a sectional top plan view taken on the line 66 Fig. l of the drawings and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 7 is a broken transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7. Fig. 3 of the drawings. and viewed in the direction of the arrows. said view illustrating the feed mechanism for the filled cans with covers loosely applied thereto. and the timing means for delivering the cans in spaced relation to the rotatablemember of the double seamer.

In" the presentcase. the multiple spindle double seamer is illustrated as having associated therewith six seaming units. but it is obvious that a greater or lesser number of such units may be employed. Inasmueh as the various seaming units are ident1 cal in construction and operation. the description of one'will sufiice for each of the other seamine' units. it being understood. that after a filled can with its end loosely applied thereto has been delivered onto the rotatable member of the apparatus and positioned for clamping to the clamp chuck of one seaming unit. the same is moved or carried from within the sphere of the can timing member and another filled container with an end loosely applied to be double-seamed thereto, is delivered to the rotating member by the timing member, this continuing with respect to each of the seaming units, so that after the apparatus is in full operation a filled can, to have an end double-seamed thereto, is being delivered to the rotating member while a filled can end with an end doubleseamed thereto is being discharged therefrom, the intermediate seaming units oper ating on the filled cans at relative stages of fihe rotary movement of the rotating mem Referring to the drawings,'and more par ticularly to Fig. 2 thereof, the numeral 1 is used to designate any suitable form of a base capable of sustaining the working parts of the apparatus, and the. same is herein illustrated in its preferred form as comprising a tubular or hollow section provided With a upper horizontally disposed plate 2. formed integral therewith and preferably the base is formed with the outwardly projecting leg portions 3. \Vithin the hollow base is suitably held a horizontally disposed plate 4, which is rigidly secured in any suitable manner to the inner walls of the base 1 and the said plate 4 is utilized as a support for a vertically disposed central column 5. The said column is held or united to the plate e 4 by means of the securing bolts 5, the column 5 being thus held in fixed relation to the base 1. At its upper extremity the said column supports a gear housing 7, connected thereto by an intermediate webbed collar 6, the said housing 7 being provided with a removable cover 8. The housing 7 supports a horizontally disposed drive shaft 9 to the outer end of which is secured a belt pulley 10, driven from any outside source of supply, as "by means of a power belt, not shown in the drawings. To the shaft 9, within the housing 7 is keyed a gear 11. which meshes With a horizontally disposed gear 12 secured to the upper extremity of a vertical shaft 13. centrally located within the column 5 and turning in suitable bearings 13 of the column 5 and plate 4. At its lower extremity the shaft 13 carries a gear 14 which meshes with a corresponding gear 15, secured to a short vertical shaft 16. mounted for rotation within the bearings 17 and 17 of the plate 4 and base 1 respectively, the rotation of the shaft 13 being thus transmitted to the shaft 16 for purposes herein after set forth.

The rotary member carrying the double seaming head units of the multiple spindle machine, comprises a vertically disposed tubular sleeve 18, which surrounds the central column 5 for a portion of its length and is adapted for rotation around the said column. the upper end of the said sleeve 18 terminating in an outwardly projected horizontally disposed head portion 19, the said sleeve 18 intermediate of its length being outwardly projected to provide a horizontally disposed table 20, spaced a distance from the horizontally disposed head portion 19. 13clow the table '20 the sleeve 18 is provided with an outwardly projected circular tlange :31, the said flange being integral with the said sleeve. Lateral displacement of the sleeve 18 is prevented by reason of the central column and the weight of the sleeve itself, which is supported by the hinge 21 thereof resting on the circular wear ring 32. which ring is rigidly secured to an upward extension or projection 2 of the plate 2.

To the lower extremity of the sleeve 18 is secured a horizontally disposed gear 21, which gear meshes and cooperates with a mating gear secured to the upper end of the shaft 16. consequently, the rotary motion of the shaft 13 is transmitted to the sleeve 18 through the medium of the intermeshing gears 25 and 24, the gear 25 being driven by the shaft 13 through the medium of the meshing gears 15 and 14', the shaft 13 being driven as heretofore stated. from the drive shaft 9 through the medium of the intermeshing gears 11 and 12.

Filled cans with an end or cover loosely applied thereto are delivered onto an auxiliary table 27. Figs. 1, Q, 3 and T of the drawings. by means of a suitable carrier member illustrated in the present case as an endless traveling belt 28, which at its inner portion works over a pulley 29 mounted on a short transverse shaft 30, journaled on suitable bearings 31 beneath the table 2?. The upper surface of the table 27 is in horizontal alinement with the upper surface of the rotatable table 20, and at its inner end, the said table is cut a 'ay segmentallv so as to partly surround the periphery of the table 20. On the table 27 spaced parallel guide bars 32 are arranged between which works or moves the endless belt conveyer 29. the said guide bars 32 being held to the table 27 by means of the brackets 32. These guide bars are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the diameter of a can and serve to keep the incoming cans 2G in an upright position on the belt 28 as the same are advanced successively toward the rotary timing device. This timing device comprises a horizontally disposed rotating turret 33, which is arranged above the table 27 adjacent one end thereof so as to overhang the said table and partly overlie the rotating table or member 20, Fig. 2) ol' the drawings. The rotating timing turret is cut away peripherally to provide a series of pockets 33. the said pockets corrcspomling in number with the seaming units employed in the apparatus and the said timing turret 33 is mounted upon the upper end of a verand held in positionby means of a brackettical shaft 3t. Figs. 2 and T of thedrawings. This shaft is journaled in bearings 35 beneath the table QT and rotation is imparted to the said shaft 34: from the rotary sleeve 18. through the medium of a gear 36 secured to the shaft 3t and meshing with a gear 37, secured to the lower extremity of the sleeve 18. Fig. 2 of the drawings. A worm gear 38 secured to the timer shaft Bl meshes with a worm 39 secured to the inner end of the shaft 30. so that the rotary movement of the shaft 3* is transmitted to the shaft 30 through the medium of the intermeshing gears 38 and 39 for driving the endless conveyer belt 28. The incoming filled cans 26' with end covers loosely applied thereto. on reaching successively a position within the zone of the timer or turret 33 designated by the reference letter A. Fig. 3 of the drawings, pause in their path of travel or come to a state of rest and remain in such position until one of the pockets 33 of the timing turret 33 engages the foremost can 26, it being understood that the timing turret is a slight distance above the upper surface of the auxiliary table 27, Fig. 7 of the drawings. As one of the pockets 33 engages. a

can 26. the. filled can is swept from its position A and is carried in a circuitous path of travel until deposited onto the horizontally rotating table 20. being guided in its path of travelby the inwardly curved guide rail 10. and which may be said toconstitute a continuation of the outer one of the guide bars 32. This guide rail i0 is supported and held to the table 27 by means of a suitable bracket 41. the portion l0 of the guide rail -10 between the ends of the rail 32 and the bracket -11 being-flexible so that the same may yield outwardly to the pressure of a.

filled can 26. in case one of the pockets 33' of the timing turret is not in proper position to engage the said can and thereby preventing the mashing of the can. The end portion of the guide rail 4E0 extended beyond the table 27 to overlie the rotatable turret 20 serves to guide the inwardly 1noving cans 26 into one of the can receiving pockets 42 upwardly projected from the table 20. a guide rail 43 overlying the table 20 et-l. co-acting with the pockets 12 to hold the can in position until the same. is clamped to the hereinafter described can clamp chuck. Asa filled can is moved within one of the pockets 42 of the continuously rotating table 20. the same is deposited onto one of the vertically movable can supports +15. Fig. 2 of the drawings. each support being raised vertically by means of the plunger stem 46. working within a vertically disposed guide way -17 formed in the table 20. it being understood thateach can support 45 when in lowered position rests in one of the series of seats formed in the upper face port 45 yielding slightly to compensate for variations in the height of the cans '26 when raised for clamping to the can clamp chuck. Each plunger stem 16 carries a cam follower roll held thereto by a roller shaft 51, the said roll 50 being adapted to travel over a circular cam track 52 formed upon the upper surface of the horizontally disposed plate '2. There is a second cam follower-roll 53 carried by the stem l6 a slight distance below the roll 50. and this roll operates against a circular cam track 5t formed beneath the cam track 52. the said rolls 50 and 53 cooperating with the tracks 52 and 51 to operate to raise and lower the plunger stem l6 during the rotary movement of the table 20 by the movement thereof actuating the can supports 15 to move the filled can :26 toward and from seaming position during the rotary movement of the table 20.

By reference to Figs. '2. 5 and 6 of the drawings. the construction of the double seaming units is illustrated. each seaming head unit comprising a centrally vertically disposed supporting shaft downwardly extending from the head plate 19 of the shell 18 and rigidly held thereto by means of the securing nut 55. The shaft 55 is a nonrotating one and at its lower end is provided with a can'clamp chuck 56. which is in axial alinement with its can support l5. Within the can clamp chuck is disposed a spring held knock-out or ejector 56. Fig. 2 of the drawings. The shaft 55'of the can clamp chuck extends through a seaming head block 57. which block is adapted for rotation relative to theshaft '55 and rotates freely on the antifrictional bearings 58. interposed between the lower end of the seaming head block 57 and the upper surface of the can clamp chuck 5'6. Rotary movement 1s 1mparted to the seaming head block 57 from.

the drive shaft 9 by means of the sleeve 59 which surrounds the upper portion of the column 5 and at its upper extremity being expanded into a horizontally disposed gear 60 which meshes with the drive gear 11. the sleeve 59 working on anti-frictional bearings comprising wearing plates 62 and balls 61 interposed between the lower end thereof 'tary movement of the gear 63 is imparted simultaneously to all of the seaming head ing the shaft dropping from its support- 65.

To the'lower end of one of said roller shafts is held a first operation seaming roller 69 provided with an anti-frictional thrust bearing 69, Fig. 2 of the drawings, the said seaming roller being rotatably held to the shaft eccentrically with the axis thereof by means of a screw 70. To the companion roller shaft is held a second operation double seaming roller 71 provided with an antifrictional thrust bearing 71, the said double seaming roller being rotatably held to the lower end of its shaft eccentric with the axis thereof by means of the screw 72. The seaming rollers lie with their respective seaming grooves in the same horizontal plane as the lower edge of the can clamp chuck 56, and the roller shaft carrying the first operation seaming roller is normally and adjustably held to the head block 57 through the medium of two pairs of securing bolts 7 3 and 74, Figs. 4 and 6 of the drawings. The securing bolts 7 3 pass through the support 65 and engage the block 57, while the lower set of securing bolts 74 act as set or gage means and pass through the wall of the support 65 and bear against the outside wall surface of the block 57. It is thus apparent that a co-action of the bolts 73 and 74 adjust the lower end of the support 65 for the first operation roll, the same swinging inwardly or outwardly upon its pivotal Joint connection relative to the block 5 and the seaming roll carried thereby is adjusted toward or away from the chuck 56. The second operation seaming roll 71 is adjusted in a manner similar to the first operation seaming roller. the holding screw bolts 75. Figs. 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings passing through its supporting block 65 and engaging with the head block 57. while the lower set of gage screw bolts 76 pass through the support 65 and bear against the outer wall face of the block 57 without entering the same. Howevenin the present instance. the adjusting screws are elongated over the securing or adjusting bolts '73 and there are springs 77 interposed between the head of the said adjusting bolts and the shaft support 65, which construction permits a yieldingof the second operation seaming roller as the same passes over the increased thickness of the seam acted on thereby caused by the initial turning of the metal by the first operation roll. The primary seam caused by the first operation roller is much looser in construction than the final seam caused by the second operation roll, therefore. it is not required that any yielding be permitted the first operation roll.

Due to the eccentricity of the securing screws 70 and 72 for the respective rolls 6t) and 71 relative to the central axis of the seaming roll shafts 67, Fig. 6 of the drawings. it is obvious that rotation of the said shafts operate to move the seaming rolls 69 and 71 carried thereby toward and from the can clamp chuck 56. Slow rotary motion is transmitted to the shafts 67 each shaft making but one complete revolution while the seaming head unit carrying the same has made its complete travel around the central column 5. the slow rotation of the roller shafts being occasioned by the rapid spinning of the head parts, Z. c. block 56 and the mechanism carried thereby through the medium of a set of worm connections appearing in detail in Fig. 5 of the drawing.

Each non-rotary clamp chuck spindle 55 of the seaming heads is formed intermediate its length with a worm tooth portion or section 78. Figs. 2 and 5 of the drawings. A worm gear 79 provided at the inner end of the horizontally disposed short shafts 80,

journaled in bearings 81 coiiperate with the worm portion or section 78 of the non-rotary spindle 55. and inasmuch as the shafts 80, gears 79 and the entire seaming head structure rotates about the fixed shaft 55, the gears 79 and their corresponding shafts 80 are slowly rotated and the worm gears 62 secured to the outer ends of the shafts S0 cooperating with the worm toothed portion 83 formed on the roller shafts 67 intermediate the length thereof impart slow rotation to the said shafts 67. High rotative speed is transmitted to the seaming head as a unit, while reduced or slow rotativc speed is transmitted to the roller shafts 67 for the seaming rolls during the rotary movement of the seaming head.

The operation of the apparatus may be briefly described as follows:

As the filled cans with the ends or covers loosely applied thereto are conveyed by the carrier 28 toward the position designated by the reference character A. Fig. 3 of the drawing. they are successively engaged by the pockets 33' of the timing turret 33 and move thereby or are transferred from said position in spaced relation onto the continuously rotating table 26. being guided in their path of travel by the guide rail 40. The timing turret delivers the filled container or can-within one of the pockets 4-9. of the said table and onto the vertically movable can support 45 associated with such can receiving pocket. Fig. 2 of the drawing. During the course of the rotary movement of the table 20, the cam follower roll 50 ing the operation of double-seaming the fiange of the can end or cover to the flange of the filled can. During this movement of the can for the clamping thereof to the can clamp chuck, the position of the seaming rolls is such as to be clear of the metal to be acted upon, that is, they are held away from the can clamp chuck and can due to the fact that their respective shafts are at such time in that stage of slow rotation wherein the eccentricity of the rollers centers and 72 are outward. After the clamping of the can and its end to the chuck 56, the slowly rotary firstseaming roller shaft 67 brings its seaming roll 69 by reason of eccentric mounting relative to the said shaft, toward the flange of the can and cover and the roll acts thereon during the rapid spinning of the seaming head to perform the first or initial seaming operation, after which the said seaming roller 69 is gradually moved out of action or away from the clampedcan, the second operation roller 71 is then moved by the slow rotary movement of its shaft toward the can and end to firmly bear onto the partially formed seam and complete the double seaming operation, it being understood that rotation of the seaming roll shafts is so timed as to cause .the seaming rollers to operate successively onto the metal of the flanges of the clamped can and end. As one roller completes its operation, the same is moved out of contact with the seam by its slowly rotating shaft and when the second operation roll has completed its work the two seaming rollers have moved away from the can end chuck, at which timethe cam follower roll 53 is so positioned relative to the cam track 54 as to cause the gradual lowering of the plunger 46 during the continued movement of the table 20, the pressure of-the springheld pad or ejector 56' then acting to eject or force the seamed can away from the can clamp chuck'to follow the lowering action of the can support 45. By the time this work has taken place the can with its end seamed thereto has reached the position indicated by the letter C, Fig. 2 of the drawings, the parts at such time being in the position desi ated at the left-hand portion of Fig. 2 o the drawings. Inasmuch as the table 20 is continuously rotating, the double-seamed can is brought against or in contact with the discharge plate 84, Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings and is gradually guided or shunted from the table 20 onto the auxiliary table 27, the next discharging can gradually advancing the same along the table 27 until a suitable place of deposit is reached.

It will be noted from the foregoing that the can with its loosely applied. cover is held against rotation during the operation of the double-seaming mechanism and that by reason of the eccentric mounting of the seaming rollers relative to the slowly rotating roller shafts which carry the same, the seaming rollers are successively and slowly brought into and out of contact with the metal to be acted upon during the rapid rotary movement of the seaming head.

By reason of the lateral adjustment permitted the seaming rollers through the medium of the adjustability provided for the head blocks 57, it is apparent that the degree of pressure exerted by the seaming rolls upon the flange of the can end may be adjusted as desired and that the seaming rollers may be adjusted radially toward and from each other in order to position the same for varying size cans to be acted upon.

The invention has been illustrated and described in its preferred embodiment, but it is obvious that the same is not restricted to the details of construction herein shown and described and I therefore do not wish to be understood as limiting myself in this regard, but on the contrary wish to be understood as claiming the invention as broadly as the state of the art at this time will permit.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:

L-An apparatus for the described purpose, the same comprising a rotary structure, a plurality of rotary seaming heads carried thereby, means for independently driving each seaming head at high rotative speed during the movement of the rotary structure, vertically movable means for clamping within the seaming heads and holding a ainst rotary movement cans with ends applied thereto, a pair of seaming roll shafts held within each seaming head, first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted relative tothe axis of the seaming roll shafts, and means for im arting slow rotative speed to the said shafts during the high rotative speed'of the seamlng head.

2. An apparatus for the described. purpose, the same comprising a plurality of independently rotary seaming heads, means for imparting high rotative speed to said seamlng heads, a pair of seaming roll shafts carried 'by each 0 said heads, means for adjusting said sha ts towar and from the seaming head axes, first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted relative to the axis of the roller shafts, devices for clampin a can with an end applied thereto against rotary movement within the seaming head, and means for imparting slow rotary movement to the seaming roll shaft to place the seaming rolls successively into and out of engagement with the flange of the held can during the rapid rotary movement of the seaming head.

3. An apparatus for the descr bed purpose, the same comprising a seaming head, a pair of seaming roll shafts held therein, means for adjusting said shafts toward and from the seaming head axes, first and second operation seaming rolls carried by and eccentrically mounted relative to said shafts, devices for clamping within the seaming head against rotation a can with an end loosely appliedthereto, and associated instrumentalities for imparting high rotative speed to the seaming head and slow rotative speed to the seamlng roll shafts whereby the first and second operation seaming rolls are successively moved into and out of engagement with the flange of the held can.

at. Seaming means for the described purpose, the same comprising a seaming head adapted to be driven at high rotative speed. a pair of seaming roll shafts, means for adjusting said shafts toward and from the 'seaminghead axes, means for imparting slow rotation to said shafts relative to the rotation of the seaming head, first and secondoperation seaming rolls carried by and eccentrically mounted relative to said shafts. and a non-rotative clamp chuck carried by the seaming head intermediate the first and second operation rolls.

5. An apparatus for the described purpose, the same comprising a continuously driven rotatable structure, a plurality of seaming heads carried thereby. means on the rotatable structure for impartinghigh rotative speed simultaneously to the seaming heads, a pair of seaming roll shafts carried by each of the seaming heads, means actuated by each seaming head for imparting slow rotation to the said shafts, devices for clamping and holding against rotation within the seaming head a can with an end loosely applied thereto, and first and second operation rolls eccentrically mounted relative to the seaming roll shafts for successively acting on the flange of a held can during the rotation of the seaming head.

6. The combination with'a seaming head, of a vertical shaft therefor which is held fromrotation, roller shafts carried by the seaming head, first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically held on and relative to said roller shafts, mechanism for imparting high rotative speed to the seaming head, devices for clamping a can and end against rotary movement within the seaming head, and means comprising said roll shafts for slowly moving the first and second operation rolls successively into and out of engagement with the flange of a held can during the rapid rotation of the seaming head.

7. The combination with a rotary seaming head, and roll shafts carried thereby, of first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted on and relative to said roll shafts, devices for holding a can and end against rotation within the seaming head, and means actuated by the movement of the seaming head and comprising said roll shafts for successively but slowly moving the first and second operation rolls into and out of engagement with the flange of a held can.

8. An apparatus for the described purpose, the same comprising a rotary seaming head, devices for clamping a can and end therein against rotation, roll shafts carried by the seaming head, first and second operation rolls eccentrically mounted on and relative to said roll shafts, and rotary means comprising said roll shafts and actuated by the rotation of the seaming head for successively moving the first and second operation rolls into and out of'engagement with the held can.

9. An apparatus for the described purpose, the same comprising a plurality of seaming heads, mechanism for imparting high rotative speed thereto, roll shafts carried by the seaming heads, first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted on and relative to the roll shafts, devices for clamping within each of said heads and holding-against rotation a can with an end applied thereto, and rotary means comprising said roll shafts and actuated by the rotation of the seaming heads for slowly moving the first and second operation seaming rolls successively into and out of engagement with the held can.

10. The combination with a horizontally rotary structure provided with a plurality of circumferentially disposed vertically movable can supports, mechanism for successively delivering to said supports cans with ends loosely applied thereto, a can holder associated with each of said supports, a plurality of rotatable seaming heads carried by the rotatable structure and arranged above the can supports, a non-rotatable can clamp chuck within each seaming head in axial alinement with its associated can support, means for raising said sup Jolt to clamp a can to the can chuck, roll sliafts carried by the seaming heads, a first and second operation seaming roll eccentrically mounted on and relative to the said roll shafts, and rotary means comprising said roll shafts for slowly moving the said rolls successively into and out of engagement with the clamped can during rotation of the seaming head.

11. An apparatus for the described purpose, the same comprising a rotary seaming head, alined vertically disposed non-rotary members for receiving and clamping within the seaming head a can with an end loosely applied thereto, mechanism for imparting high rotative speed to the seaming head, roll shafts carried by the seaming head, first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted to rotate freely on said roll shafts, and means actuated during the rotary movement'of the said head and comprising said roll shafts for slowly moving the seaming rolls successively into and out of engagement. with a can clamped within the seaming head.

12. In an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination with a seaming head, of mechanism for imparting high rotative speed thereto, devices for clamping a can and end within the said head against rotary movement, means for automatically positioning a can with an end applied thereto between said clamping devices, roll shafts rotatable in one direction only carried by the seaming head, and first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted on said roll shafts and freely rotatable thereon, said .roll shafts acting during the rotation of the seaminghead for slowly and successively moving the seaming rolls into and out of engagement with a clamped can.

13. In an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination with a rotary seaming head, a non-rotary can clamp chuck held within said head, vertically movable.

means for moving a can with an end cover thereon into and out of clamped engage ment with said chuck, means for positioning cans onto the said means and removing the same therefrom, mechanism for imparting high rotative speed to the seaming head, radially movable eccentrically mounted rotatable first and second seaming rolls mounted within said seaming head, and rotary means within the seaming head and relative to the axes of which said rolls are eccentrically mounted and actuated'by the rotation of said head for slowly moving the seaming rolls successively into and out of engagement with the flange of a can end and can while held clamped to the can chuck.

14. In an apparatus for the described purpose. the combination with a rotary seaming head, a non-rotary can clamp chuck held within said head, vertically movablesupporting means for placing a can with an end cover thereon into and out of clamped engagement with said chuck, means for positioning cans onto the said means and removing the same therefrom, mechanism for imparting high rotative speed to the seaming head, radially movable eccentrically mounted first and second seaming rolls within said seaming head, adjustable devices for varying the position of the seaming rolls relative to each other, rotary means carrying said seaming rolls and relative to the axes of which. said rolls are eccentrically mounted, and a device. associated with the can clamp chuck for positively releasing a seamed can on the downward movement of the can supporting means.

15. In an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination with a plurality of spaced rotary seaming heads,..of mechanism for imparting high rotative speed to said seaming heads. a non-rotary cam clamp chuck mounted within and carried by each of said seaming heads, a vertically movable can support associated with each chuck for receiving and moving a can body with an end cover loosely applied thereto into and .out of clamped engagement with its asso ciated can chucks, means for moving cans onto and off of the said support. a pair of eccentncally mounted seammg rolls mounted within each of the seaming heads. and rotary means actuated during the rotary movement of the seaming heads and relative to the axes of-which said rolls are eccentrically mounted for slowly moving the seaming rolls successively into and out of engagement with the flange of a can end and can while held clamped to the can chuck within the seaming head.

16. In an apparatus for the described purpose. the combination with a rotary seaming head, of mechanism for imparting high rotative speed thereto. a non-rotary can clamp chuck held within and carried by the seaming head. a member co-acting' with said chuck for clamping thereto a can with an unseamed end applied thereto, a pair of radially movable seaming rolls eccentrically mounted within the seaming head. rotary means and relative to the axes of which said rolls are eccentrically mounted for slowly moving the seaming rolls radially toward and from the can chuck. and adjustable devices for varying the positions of the seaming rolls relative to each other to adapt the same for seaming operation on cans of varying diameter.

17. In an apparatus for the described pur pose. the combination with a rotary seaming head. of mechanism for imparting high rotative speed thereto, a non-rotary clamp chuck mounted within and carried by said seaming head, first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted within the seaming head. and continuously rotary means actuated during the rotary movement of the seaming head and relative to the axes of which said rolls are eccentrically mounted for slowly moving the seaming rolls successively toward and from the clamp chuck.

18. In a multiple spindle double-seaming apparatus, the combination with a continuously rotating structure, of a plurality of circumferentially disposed spaced rotary seaming heads carried thereby, mechanism actuated by the rotary structure for imparting high rotative speed simultaneously to the seaming heads, a non-rotary clamp chuck carried by each seaming head, a plurality of spaced vertically movable can supports carried by the rotary structure and in axial alinement with the clamp chucks of the seaming heads, means for moving the said supports toward and from the clamp chucks during the movement of the rotary structure, radially movable first and second operation seaming rolls eccentrically mounted within each of the seaming heads, and rotary means rarried by the seaming heads and actuated by the rotation thereof and relative to the axes of which said rolls are eccentrically mounted for slowly moving the seaming rolls successively into and out of engagement with the flange of a canand end held clamped within the seaming heads.

19. Ina multiple double-seaming apparatus, the combination with a continuously rotating structure, of a plurality of circumferentially disposed spaced seaming heads carried thereby, mechanism actuated by the rotary structure for imparting high rotative speed simultaneously to the seaming heads. a non-rotary clamp chuck carried by each seaming head, a plurality of spaced vertically movable can supports carried by the rotary structure and in axial alinement with the clamp chucks of the seaming heads. means for moving the said supports toward and from the clamp chucks during the movement of the rotary structure, radially movable first and second operation seamingrolls eccentrically mounted within the seaming heads, rotary means eccentrically carrying the axes of said rolls. and continuously rotating means operated in timed relation with the rotatable structure for successively delivering cans with ends applied thereto onto the vertically movable can supports of the said rotatable structure.

20. The combination of a continuously rotatable seaming head, a rotary element car ried on. said seaming head so as to have a planetary movement around the axis of the seaming head and turned continuously on its axis by the seaming head, and a seaming roll mounted to turn freely on said rotary element and having its axis eccentric relative to the axis of said rotary element.

21. The combination of a non-rotary seaming head shaft, a seaming head rotary thereon, roller shaft supports movably connected with said seaming head, continuously rotary roller shafts journaled in said supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports toward and from the seaming head axis, gearing operatively connected with the seaming head shaft and with the roller shafts, and a can chuck on said seaming head shaft.

22. The combination of a. non-rotary seaming head shaft, a seaming head rotary thereon, roller shaft supports pivotally connected with said seaming head, continuously rotary roller shafts journaled in said supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports on their pivots, gearing operatively connected with the seaming headshaft and with the roller shafts. and a can chuck on said seaming head shaft.

23. The combination of a non-rotary seaming head shaft, a seaming head rotary thereon, roller shaft supports mo ably connected with said seaming head, continuously rotary roller shafts journaled in said sup ports. seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports toward and from the seaming head axis. worm gearing operatively connected with the seaming head shaft and with the roller shafts, and a can chuck on said seaming head shaft.

The combination of a non-rotary seaming head shaft, a seaming head rotary thereon, roller shaft supports pivotally connected with said seaming head, continuously rotary roller shafts journaled in said supports. seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports on their pivots, worm gearing operatively connected with the seaming head shaft and with the roller shafts, and av can chuck on said seaming head shaft.

2?. The combination of a non-rotary seaming head shaft, a seaming head rotary thereon, roller shaft supports movably connected with said seaming head, continuously rotary roller shafts journaled in said supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentrie to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports, worm gearing operatively connected with the seaming head shaft and with the rollers shafts, said gearing comprising a worm on the seaming head shaft, shafts journaled in the seaming head and having worm wheels engaging said worm. said shafts being connected with the roller shafts to drive the same, and a can chuck on said seaming head shaft.

26. The combination of a non-rotary seaming head shaft, a seaming head rotary thereon, roller shaft supports movably connected with said seaming head, continuously rotary roller shafts journaled in said supill tti

till

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ports,-seaming rolls mhhnted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports, worm gearing operatively connected with the seaming head shaft and with the roller shafts, said gearing comprising a worm on the seaming head shaft, shafts journaled in the seaming head and having worm wheels engaging said worm and Worms for driving the roller shafts, and worm-wheel elements on the roller shafts engaging the last mentioned worms; and a can chuck on said seaming head shaft.

27. The combination of a rotary can carrier, a correspondingly rotary seaming head carrier, seaming heads rotary on and car ried by the latter, means for driving said carriers, means for driving the rotary seaming heads, seaming head shafts fixed inthe seaming head carrier within the rotary seaming heads, shaft supports movably con-,. nected with the seamin heads, roller shafts journaled in said she t supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shafts, means for adjusting said shaft supports toward or from the seaming head axes, gearing operatively connected with said seaming head shafts and with the roller shafts to drive the latter, chucks on said seaming head shafts, and means for forcing the can heads into engagement with said chucks, for a seaming operation by said rolls,

28. The combination of a continuously rotary can carrier, a correspondingly continuously rotary seaming head carrier, seam-- ing heads rotary on and carried by the latter, a rotary central shaft and rotary central sleeve, means for driving said shaft and sleeve, one of said central driven elements being connected with the can carrier and seaming head carrier, means connecting the other of said central driven elements with the rotary seaming heads, seaming head shafts fixed in the seaming head carrier within the rotary seaming heads, shaft sup ports movably connected with the seaming heads, roller shafts journaled in said shaft supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and raving ares which are eccentric to said shaft supports, means for adjusting said shaft supports toward or from the seaming head ares, gearing operatively connected with said seaming head shafts and with the roller shafts, chucks on said seaming head shafts, and means for forcing the can heads into engagement with said chucks rolls.

29, The combination of a continuously rotary can carrier, a correspondingly continuously rotary seaming head carrier, seaming heads rotary on and carried by the latter, a rotary central shaft and rotary central sleeve, a bevel gear driving both said for a seaming operation by said shaft and said sleeve, one of said central driven elements being connected with the can carrier and seamin head carrier, gearing connecting the ot er of said central driven elements with the rotary seaming heads, seaming head shafts fixed in the seaming head carrier within the rotary seaming heads, shaftsupports movably connected With the seaming heads, roller shafts journaled in said shaft supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to said shaft supports, means .for adjusting said shaft supports toward or from the seaming head axes, gearing operatively connected with said seaming head shafts and with the roller shafts, chucks on said seaming hea'd shafts, and means for forcing the can heads into engagement with said chucks for a seaming operation by said rolls.

30. The combination of a continuously rotary can carrier, a correspondingly con tinuously rotary seaming head carrier, seaming heads rotary on and carried by the latter, a rotary central shaft and rotary central sleeve, means for driving said shaft and sleeve, one of said central driven elements being connected with the can carrier and seaming head carrier, means connecting the other of said central driven elements with the rotary seaming heads, seaming head shafts fixed in the seaming head carrier within the rotary seaming heads, shaft supports movably connected with the seammg heads, roller shafts journaled in said shaft supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are ec-' centric to said shaft supports, means for adjusting said shaft supports on their pivots toward or from the seaming head axes, worm gearin operatively connected with said seaming ead shafts and with the roller shafts, chucks on said seaming head shafts, and means for forcing the can heads into engagement with said chucks for a seaming operation by said rolls.

31. The combination of a continuously rotary can carrier, a correspondingly con,

tinuously rotary seaming head carrier, seaming heads rotary. on and carried by the latter, arotary central shaft and rotary central sleeve, a bevel gear driving said shaft lid and sleeve, one of said central driven elements being connected with the can carrier and seaming head carrier, gearing connecting the other of said central driving elements with the rotary seaming heads, seaming head shafts fixed in the seaming head carrier, within the rotary seaming heads, shaft supports movably connected with the seaming heads, roller shafts j'ournaled in said shaft supports, seaming rolls mounted on said roller shafts and having axes which are eccentric to saidshaft supports, means for adjusting said shaft supports toward or Ilfltl from the seaming head axes, worm gearing operatively connected with said seaming head shafts and with the roller shafts, chucks on said seaming head shafts, and means for forcing the can heads into engagement with said chucks for a seaming operation by said rolls.

32. The combination of a continuously rtary can carrier, a correspondingly continusaid roller shafts and having axes which ar' eccentric to said shaft supports, means for adjusting said shaft supports on their pivots toward or from the seaming head axes, worm gearing operatively connected with said seaming head shafts and with the roller shafts, chucks on said seaming head shafts, and means for forcing the cam heads into engagement with said chucks for a seaming operation by said rolls.

33. In a can closing machine, can seaming mechanism comprising a rotatory roll carrier, rotatory roll supports journaled in said roll carrier, seaming rolls essentrically mounted directly on said roll supports, and means for continuously rotating said roll supports in one direction in said carrier, for the purpose set forth.

34. In an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination with a seaming head, of a can clamp chuck held within and carried by the seaming head, a member coacting with said chuck for clamping thereto a can with an unseamed end applied thereto, a pair of radially movable seaming rolls eccentrically mounted within the seaming head, means rotatable in one direction only and relative to the axes of which said rolls are eccentrically mounted for slowly moving the seaming rolls radially toward and from the can chuck, and mechanism for imparting high rotative relative speed between the seaming head and the can clamping devices.

35. In an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination of a seaming head, a can clamp chuck and a member coacting therewith for clamping a can with an unseamed end applied thereto, mechanism for causing high rotative relative speed between the seaming head and can clamping devices, one of said elements being rotary, a pair of radially movable seaming rolls on the seaming head, and means rotary in one direction only relative to the axes of which said rolls are eccentrically mounted for slowly moving the seaming rolls radially toward and from the clamped can.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

\ JAMES A. GRAY.

Witnesses:

N. A. ACKER, D. B. Rromnns. 

